EU-China APP 3rd Drone Workshop was held this week. 1st China GA Airworthiness Certification Forum was held yesterday. Welcom to AOPA-China News Channel. 

Nick: Hello,everyone! Thanks for tuning in to 5 Minutes with AOPA-China news channel. Todaywe are bringing you two pieces of news.

Claire: Unmannedaircraft systems or “drones” is a fast developing sector, bringing in benefitsto society. At the same time, they pose new challenges to the public as well asthe authorities. Nations all over the globe act on this. Chinese civil aviationadministration has called for tighter regulation control on illegal droneflights as the country has become the world’s largest manufacturer of consumerdrones. SORA is introduced and will be implemented.

Nick: Yes, againstthis backdrop, the third EU-China Drones Workshop organized under EU-China APPand assisted by AOPA-China was held during 28-30 May in Beijing. The two and ahalf days’ workshop looked more in detail at information of the best practiceson the use of drones.

Claire: Therepresentatives from CAAC and EASA introduced the rules for drone operation inChina and Europe respectively. Here are the highlights: the statistics of droneoperation in China 2018 released by Ms. Bai, the senior engineer from ChinaAcademy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology，showed us a clearpicture of UAS operations in China.

Nick: When it comesto the Cloud system, Antonio Marchetto – EASA RPAS technologies Expert --broached the step-by-step plan of U-Space which is a set of new servicesrelying on a high level of digitalization and automation of functions and specificprocedures designed to support safe, efficient and secure access to airspacefor large numbers of drones. Particularly, he underlies the safe integration ofdrones into all classes of airspace. Meantime, the Chinese counterpart-- UASOperation Management System(UOM) model--- was comprehensively introduced.

Claire: Some topicsare even more inspiring such as the 5G telecommunication technology, the skyblueprint of Airbus, air taxi perception and the development of smart cities.The contribution of drones in the future can never be underestimated.

Nick: All in all,the workshop proves to be fruitful and successful, helping facilitate mutualunderstanding of the latest UAS development in EU and China. Both sides updatethe drone technology, UAS management, and rulemaking, etc. Though challengesalong the road to UAS prosperity are inevitably encountered, the ambitiousgoal, I believe, will be ultimately reached through assiduous efforts and closecooperation on every front.

Meanwhile, let’slook at what happened in Nanchang yesterday.

Claire: Collaborated with Nanchang Government,AOPA-China hosted the 1st GA Aircraft Airworthiness Forum in Nanchang, thecapital city of Jiangxi Province. The city is also known as the cradle ofaviation, where Nanchang CJ-6, a Chinese basic trainer aircraft was designedand manufactured in 1958, formerly served Chinese military. Now it’s also forcivilian use.

Nick: Goodnews, isn’t it? We are proud to say the aircraft has been exported to many countries including the United States, Albania, North Korea, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, etc.What’s special about this aircraft? The simplicity of the CJ-6 is exemplifiedby its onboard pneumatic system. Twin onboard storage tanks provide pressurizedair that is used to actuate the wing flaps, retractable landing gear, and wheelbrakes. High-pressure air is even used in lieu of an electric motor to startthe engine. An air compressor driven by the engine keeps the air bottles filledin flight. Perhaps these air-driven components are considered crude by westernstandards, but it is an elegantly simple and easily-maintained system that isnearly impervious to cold weather and harsh environments.

Claire: What’s worth noted that last year marked the60th anniversary of CJ-6. Representatives who are CJ-6 owners and pilots fromRed Star Pilot Association visited the manufacturing factory in Nanchang lastautumn. Also, AOPA-China was so happy to host them in Douzhuang GA airport, theytried formation flying there.

Nick: And in March this year, CAAC issued the typeand production certificate for CJ-6, which means the aircraft now is accessibleto civilian use. That’s absolutely inspiring for many avgeeks, moreimportantly, a milestone in the course of Chinese GA aircraft airworthiness.

Claire: With all the good news and steps taken byevery side, AOPA-China sincerely hope the GA take off and soar in the sky inthe near future. I know it’s a long way ahead. Let’s carry on with the work.You are listening to 5 Minutes with AOPA-China. You know where to find us:Wechat, Facebook, Twitter, Ximalaya, or any podcast platform. It makes adifference by rating us so that more people around the world can find our show.Have a good weekend.                       

Nick: Oh, and happyChildren’s Day to you all! 

Click the link andace the quiz, I’m sure you’ll have fun.

See you next week.